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7 Streets to Stroll When You Visit for the Rugby World Cup

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Sure, there's going to be plenty of action and excitement in AT&T Park during the Rugby World Cup Sevens. But we promise that there's just as much to thrill you outside the ballpark in San Francisco's many diverse neighborhoods. Looking to pack in as much great dining, shopping, and scenery as you can? Walk these streets of San Francisco and experience it all.

The Embarcadero

Ringing the waterfront, the Embarcadero extends from AT&T Park all the way to PIER 39. Walk north from the ballpark and you'll have stellar views of the massive Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the downtown skyline. There are a number of attractions along the way, including the Ferry Building and The Exploratorium. When you reach PIER 39, you won't know what to do first: visit the Aquarium of the Bay, chow down on top-notch seafood, or hop a ferry to Alcatraz.

Haight Street

This street is our pick for where to best indulge yourself in San Francisco. Between Webster and Scott Streets along Haight, you'll find no shortage of bars and restaurants to tempt your taste buds. Once you cross Divisadero Street and walk past Buena Vista Park, you'll be in hippie heaven. Excellent vintage clothing, unique handmade souvenirs, and all the Summer of Love spirit you'd expect to find is waiting for you here.

Hayes Street

Hayes Street might be lined with more San Francisco landmarks than any other. Start in Civic Center, surrounded by City Hall, Bill Graham Auditorium, the Asian Art Museum, and Davies Symphony Hall. Halfway along, you'll find the photogenic Painted Ladies of Alamo Square Park. And at the literal end of the road, you'll arrive at Golden Gate Park with its many treasures, including the Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. Hayes Street is home to boutique fashion and decadent dining throughout, so make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your wallet.

Union Street

Looking to mingle with San Francisco's young and stylish? Take a walk down Union Street. This neighborhood thoroughfare in Cow Hollow, particularly busy on weekends, is your gateway to the Marina. You can shop, work out, have a fancy meal, or throw back a bucket of beers with the post-college crowd. Just remember that despite the name, Union Street is nowhere near Union Square.

Fillmore Street

From the Marina Green at the shore of the Bay, Fillmore Street rolls through the delightful Marina and climbs the hills of Pacific Heights. Block after block of varied restaurants, happening bars, and the trendiest fashions are available to you as you work your way south toward the center of the city. There are also a number of performance spaces, including the legendary music hall of the same name.

Valencia Street

Want to experience the Mission without ever making a left or right turn? You just might be able to do it if you stick to Valencia Street. Some of the most diverse and authentic dining in the city can be found on this street, as can some truly great purchases to commemorate your visit to San Francisco.

Castro Street

Few streets pack as much history into their pavement as Castro Street does. We mean that literally; look down and you'll see plaques commemorating the many men and women who fought for equality. The center of San Francisco's vibrant, LGBT neighborhood, Castro Street is a great place to spend a night out. If the many different bars aren't quite your scene, you can always catch a movie at the gorgeous Castro Theater.